I really like the large octagon-shaped bottle, has been in use since it was first introduced in the 1930s. It looks great on a desk, however, it is a pain to get into a briefcase! I guess I will not have to worry about this now. OMAS, as a company, has closed (2016). The name is still held by a company in China that owns the company, but the factory in Italy has been closed down. Even if a line of pens using the OMAS name is released at a later date, it is very unlikely tha line of ink would be in the mix. If you have some, enjoy your classic botttles.

While I personally think that the violet, gray and green are too light in colour when compared to some other brands, I am always reminded that there are a range of tastes! Others have written to note the colours provide good shading... especially the gray.

Recently the ink was updated in terms of formula.

Vespucci Red - good density and flow. The red is often used as a comparison to judge other colours. The colour was discontinued. When I look back at meeting notes taken years later the colour of this ink stands the test of time.

Red - the regular red is a bit too pink for my liking. When I purchased the OMAS 360 Vintage Red, a bottle of OMAS Red was part of the presentation box. I found the ink a bit weak in colour.

Hong Kong Red - made in 1997 for that year only, leans on the weaker tone side of inks.

Roma 2000 Blue - deep rich royal blue with a light touch of ultramarine. Dense and free-flowing. Dries fast, no colour shift. A very popular ink. It is reported that OMAS is continuing production of Roma 2000. The company produces special colours for set time frame. Some report that the OMAS 2000 Blue shows staining of the plastic body of converters. Keep that in mind with translucent pens. Bill Ripel gives a great review of the OMAS Roma 2000 ink in the February edition of Stylophiles. Bill described the Blue as a useful "day to day ink, one that has become an instant favorite for me." He says it is a little "down" in colour from previously available Penman Sapphire. It is a darker and deeper in tone than Aurora or Waterman blue. Good flow, good colour.

Black - some users report problems with clogging. This is a rich black but not as rich in tone as the Pelikan Brilliant Black, Private Reserve Velvet Black, Bexley Midnight Black or the Aurora Black (R Ragner). I always seem to pick up a bottle of OMAS Black on my trips to Italy. I use it for my travel journal. Good colour tone.

Green (Italia 90) - limited edition run made for 1990. Green colour of the Italian flag. I found it a bit light. Okay in a medium nib, but too light with a Broad. Looks good on cream-colour paper.

Triratna - orange but a little on the weak and watery side. Less intense than the near fluorescent Private Reserve Tangerine Dream, but more orange than the Private Reserve Orange Crush - which leans towards a burnt orange with red and brown tones to the colour. (R Ragner)

Violet - lighter than the Pelikan Violet and significantly lighter than the Waterman Purple (R Ragner). I found it light and bright.

Sepia - so for your browns, this one is a little darker than the Private Reserve Copper Burst or the Bexley Mocha, and also darker than the Waterman Havana. (R Ragner)

Blue - you will only be able to find the "new" blue now in stores. This is another colour that I always seem to pick up when in Italy. It just looks great on the desk. The blue has too much violet in it for my liking.

Grey - I bought a bottle of this thinking it would be stunning on cream paper, but I found the ink too light.